Senators McCain and Graham release statement on PM of Turkey’s comments on Israel

STATEMENT BY SENATORS MCCAIN AND GRAHAM ON THE PRIME MINISTER OF TURKEY’S COMMENTS ON ISRAEL TODAY

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today released the following statement regarding the Prime Minister of Turkey’s comments on Israel today:

“We regret that the Prime Minister of Turkey referred to Israel today as a ‘terrorist state.’ Israel has the same sovereign right as every country to defend itself, and no government could be expected to remain passive under the daily barrage of hundreds of rockets fired intentionally at innocent men, women, and children, which Israel has had to endure at the hands of Hamas. This challenge should be familiar to Turkey, which has been a victim of terrorism itself.

“Prime Minister Erdogan, a man we know and respect, should play a constructive leadership role in pushing Hamas to cease its attacks on Israel so this conflict can be brought to an end. His comments today, unfortunately, will have the opposite effect, encouraging Hamas to continue with its acts of terrorism, thereby prolonging the fighting and risking further loss of life on both sides. This serves no responsible interest.”